Had it been any other time, Noah would have pouted to have the toy taken from him, but he's too riled now to care. He hardly notices when the rope changes hands.

"No, he probably did," Noah says loftily. "Because you attacked him. What did you expect, for him to just lie back and take it? Don't pretend you're innocent, Ronan. What I'm asking you, and him, is for a truce." He moves closer, without actually meaning to. "Please, Ronan."

He doesn't know what else to do. He doesn't want to lose his friend.